Freshman year feels like it was a lifetime ago.  I can honestly say you have grown in many ways; you’ve become a better version of yourself.

I have some advice I would like to give you, and I wish someone had told you this sooner.  First and foremost, you shouldn’t have any expectations for anyone other than yourself.  What I mean by this is when someone does something other than what you expect of them, you will be extremely disappointed.  When mom moved to Amsterdam you were devastated because you had such high expectations for her.

But you also need to realize that change is good, and not scary.  You can’t have control over every variable in your life, and if things don’t go as planned learn to make the most of it anyway.  On that note, stop making yourself the victim in most situations.  Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, accept what has happened and move on and try to cope.

Stop caring so much about what other people think.  The only person you need validation from is yourself.  If you put in a lot of effort into your appearance for school, it should be for yourself and no one else.

Also,  it’s more valuable to have a close knit group of friends than having fifty acquaintances. There’s significantly less drama too.

I will admit that you’ve gotten better at this, but stop judging people before you’ve even met them.  How do you feel when other people make assumptions about you without even having a conversation first? It’s annoying, so please refrain from doing so.

Appreciate your family more.  Throughout high school, and even now, you seem to prioritize your relationship with your friends.  Always remember that no matter what your family will always be there for you, friends on the other hand are questionable.

  Learn to forgive yourself.  You need to stop beating yourself up when you make mistakes.  Instead of sulking in sadness, focus on how to ensure that you won’t make the same mistake twice.

But real talk, you need to stop procrastinating Michelle! Okay I take it back because I know you will never stop, but at least don’t avoid school when you haven’t done an assignment.

You like to avoid confrontation.  Freshman year, you would simply fake sick just because you haven’t finished an essay in time.  Your plan works temporarily, but then you STILL have to write the essay, and on top of that make up all of the work you missed that day.  So stop! Just go to school and be honest with your teachers about why you have not completed your work.

This one really matters Michelle, so listen up.  Love yourself and be thankful for all of the amazing people in your life.  You may make mistakes, but at the end of the day you’re pretty awesome.

Remember that no matter what, everything will always get better even though in the moment it may seem like it’s the end of the world.